Words: Kyle Cassidy
Published 28 July 2026
Škoda New Zealand will continue supplying vehicles to the New Zealand Police after extending a fleet partnership that began four years ago.
The renewed agreement will see Škoda continue working with Police and the Czech manufacturer’s factory team to produce vehicles tailored to frontline duties. The length and value of the extended contract haven’t been disclosed.
Police selected the Škoda Superb following a detailed evaluation process that considered safety, efficiency and the vehicle’s ability to accommodate specialist operational equipment.
The Superb patrol cars replaced Holden Commodores following the end of local Holden sales. According to Police fleet data cited by Škoda, the change has reduced fuel consumption and associated CO₂ emissions by approximately 20 per cent across comparable frontline vehicles.
“We’re thrilled to continue working alongside the New Zealand Police,” said Alex Brown, Škoda New Zealand General Manager. “This partnership goes beyond supplying vehicles – it’s about supporting the people who serve our communities every day.”
Built for frontline duties
The Police Superbs aren’t simply standard dealership vehicles with lights and graphics added. Škoda New Zealand says it works with the factory in Europe to incorporate the custom specifications required for local policing.
These changes include operational refinements, equipment integration and durability upgrades intended to help the cars withstand demanding use.
Škoda hasn’t detailed every modification, but police vehicles typically require extensive electrical systems, communications equipment, additional lighting and cabin changes.
Ongoing servicing will continue to be handled through Škoda’s nationwide dealer and service network. The brand’s local parts and distribution centre also supplies components for the Police fleet.
Škoda says the facility currently achieves a 98 per cent first-pick rate, meaning most requested parts can be supplied from existing stock without waiting for a back order.
Part of a global programme
New Zealand’s Police fleet forms part of Škoda’s wider involvement with emergency services. The manufacturer says it has supplied more than 23,000 vehicles to police and emergency organisations around the world.
Neither Škoda nor Police has confirmed how many additional vehicles will be supplied under the renewed agreement.
